I'll admit I am one who likes to get answers. I have a lot of "why" questions and I want to find something that explains it. I spotted this opuntia at St Francis Ranch. From afar the pattern on the lower pad looked like the interior structure of a cactus pad, what's revealed once all the meaty bits have dried up. Up close I see that's not the case.
Instead the outer layer looks like the earth, soil baked by the sun and cracking from dryness. There was fire here, the estate is in the hills above Santa Barbara. Could the pads have burned? If so why are others untouched?
In this case I do not believe the answer, my friend, is blowin' in the wind...
Weather Diary, April 30: Hi 71, Low 45/ Precip 0
Wednesday Vignettes are hosted by Anna at Flutter & Hum. All material © 2009-2019 by Loree Bohl for danger garden. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited and just plain rude.
Now you have us all wondering. Hope someone can answer this question!
ReplyDeleteThere may never be answers...
DeleteThat is a mystery, indeed. Let us know if you find out why.
ReplyDeleteI think Kris may have come close.
DeleteHmm. That's very interesting. I can't say I've seen that effect before. I took a very short trip down the rabbit hole that is the internet and found references to "corky scab" and "cactus scab" on Opuntia (described as looking like cactus eczema) but I couldn't find any good photos to draw a direct comparison with yours.
ReplyDeleteAh, thanks for giving me a jumping off point.
DeleteHow odd.... I can't even offer a decent guess. Very strange...
ReplyDeleteStrange indeed...
DeleteIf it was from a fire, it looks like the new growth is unscathed, which makes sense (all the newest paddles appear unharmed).
ReplyDelete